Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ski Apache debut new zip lines this fall

ZipRider, which is designing and building the zip line attractions for the Mescalero Apache Tribe, has undertaken such projects worldwide. (Courtesy ZipRider)

RUIDOSO &GT;&GT; When the forest foliage begins to turn its traditional stunning auburn in the fall, residents and visitors will be able to take it all in from a different vantage point — with some excitement thrown in as well.

The Apache Eagle Zip Line at Inn of the Mountain Gods and the Apache Wind Rider Zip Tour at Ski Apache are set to open in October, each providing breathtaking experiences that will rival the world's best zip lines, said Frizzell Frizzell Jr., chief operating officer of Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.

"It adds another attraction to Inn of the Mountain Gods and to the region of Lincoln and Otero counties," Danny Breuninger, president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, said. "It's not hiking, skiing, biking, fishing — it's something totally different."

"We are so excited for this new addition," Frizzell said. "Not only is it tremendous that we've created one of the largest zip lines in the world, but this is just a reflection of how the Mescalero Apache Tribe is continually finding ways to invest in the experience we provide to our guests."

The Apache Eagle Zip Line will carry riders from a vantage point beyond Lake Mescalero, across the lake, ending at the boat house at the Inn of the Mountain Gods.

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The Apache Wind Rider Zip Tour includes an adrenaline-charged, heart-pounding, three-part zip tour adventure featuring views of more than 55 ski runs nestled in the Lincoln National Forest. This adventure starts at more than 11,000 feet above the "Apache Bowl" and tops more than 8,900 feet in total length. The first leg is more than 5,000 feet long and reaches speeds nearing 60 mph. The next leg is 1,900 feet from the top of the Elk Lift line to the top of Capitan.

Gabe Aguilar, vice president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and Danny Breuninger, tribal president, stand in front of Lake Mescalero over which the Apache Eagle Zip Line will take riders. (Marianne Mohr — Ruidoso News)

The last leg of the Apache Wind Rider Zip Tour is another 1,700-foot ride that begins at the top of Capitan and finishes at the base of Ski Apache.

During an exclusive tour of the Apache Eagle Zip Line site, Frizzell pointed out that the attraction will begin and end at the boat house at Lake Mescalero. Crews currently are expanding the boat house to double its size to accommodate ticket sales, food and beverage sales, and retail purchases.

"So you can grab your tickets, grab a snack and get a T-shirt or souvenirs," Frizzell said.

Once visitors purchase their tickets, they will be whisked to the other side of the lake on eight-seater Polaris side-by-sides — the ride around the lake taking three to four minutes, Frizzell said.

Tribal officials intentionally designed and built the access road leading to the Apache Eagle Zip Line launch, which was installed in May, so that it is invisible from view.

Crews this week continued to pour concrete and work on the tower that ultimately will become the launch, which will be accessible to the disabled, Frizzell said.

Riders will be outfitted in a safety harness. Eligibility to ride will be based on weight — those between 60 and 275 pounds will be allowed on the zip lines.

The rides will feature dual cables, "so you can ride with your significant other, family or friend," Frizzell said.

This is the stunning view that zip-line riders will catch right before sailing off on The Apache Eagle Zip Line currently under construction at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. (Marianne Mohr — Ruidoso News)

Frizzell said the price of admissions for the rides still is being determined. There will, however, be a discount program in which if a rider purchases a ticket for one ride he will get a discount on admission for the other ride.

Looking to the future

Frizzell pointed out that the tribe realizes it must diversify its economy because while the tribe currently generates the majority of its money through gaming "that may flatten in the future."